In today’s global food system, understanding how food regulations shape what we eat, how it’s labeled, and how it’s imported is more important than ever. Navigating U.S. Food Regulations: Safety and Enforcement is a dynamic 4-week Coursera course that explores the complex landscape of U.S. food laws, enforcement mechanisms, and the role of advocacy in shaping policy. From the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) to the regulation of dietary supplements and infant formula, learners will gain a practical understanding of how food safety is maintained and how consumer protection is enforced. Led by instructor Dr. Jessica Hartke, you’ll explore how regulations evolve in response to public health needs and industry practices.
Navigating U.S. Food Regulations: Safety and Enforcement
Navigating U.S. Food Regulations: Safety and Enforcement
This course is part of Personalized Nutrition, Policy, and Food Regulations Specialization
Instructor: Jessica Hartke
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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Discover how genetics, microbiome, and AI shape personalized nutrition and health outcomes.
Understand U.S. nutrition policy, food assistance programs, and their impact on public health.
Explore food labeling, safety laws, and regulatory frameworks through expert-led frameworks and models.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
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Assessments
6 assignments
Taught in English
Recently updated!
August 2025
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This course is part of the Personalized Nutrition, Policy, and Food Regulations Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
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There are 4 modules in this course
In the course orientation, you'll get to know the course, your classmates, and our learning environment, and gain the technical skills needed. Then, learn how advocacy groups influence food policy and regulation in the U.S. You will also learn how global organizations and U.S. agencies work together to ensure that imported foods meet safety and labeling standards. By the end of this module, you'll be able to explain how both domestic and international efforts help shape the food supply available to U.S. consumers.
What's included
9 videos5 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this module, you will learn how the U.S. regulates special categories of foods, including medical foods, infant formula, and dietary supplements. These products serve unique roles in health and nutrition and are subject to specific rules for safety, labeling, and ingredient use. You’ll explore how key laws like the Infant Formula Act and the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) define these categories and guide FDA oversight. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to identify how each of these special foods is regulated and what makes them different from conventional foods.
What's included
8 videos2 readings1 assignment
In this module, you will learn how food regulations are enforced in the U.S. through the work of key federal agencies like the FDA and USDA. You’ll explore the difference between labeling and advertising and understand why each is regulated differently. The module also covers enforcement tools such as recalls, withdrawals, safety alerts, and FDA warning letters. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to explain how enforcement actions help protect consumers and ensure companies follow food laws.
What's included
10 videos2 readings1 assignment
In this module, you will explore how food regulations are enforced through real-world examples and learn how consumers can take legal action when regulations fall short. You’ll examine case studies involving mislabeled or unsafe products and understand the role of private litigation and class-action lawsuits in protecting consumer rights. At the conclusion of this module, you will be ready to complete the final assessment for the course and earn your Coursera certificate!
What's included
7 videos6 readings2 assignments
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